Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, resulting in difficulty breathing. It is one of the most common chronic illnesses among children, affecting about 7.5 million children in the US alone.
Asthma attacks in children can be a frightening experience for both the child and the parent. However, with the right knowledge and management strategies, asthma attacks can be controlled and prevented.
Let’s learn more about asthma in children and the special considerations in managing asthma attacks in children.
Understanding Asthma in Children
Asthma is an ongoing disease that impacts the lungs, specifically, the tubes called airways, which let air in and out. When a child has asthma, their airways get swollen and narrow, making breathing hard, like trying to breathe through a straw that’s squeezed tight.
This difficulty in breathing can lead to symptoms like a whistling sound while breathing, coughing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
Asthma can start at any age but is most common in children with growing immune systems. Most kids who develop asthma show their first signs by age 5. Asthma can make your child miss school and may even require hospitalization.
Signs of Asthma Attacks in Children
An asthma attack, also known as an asthma exacerbation, occurs when asthma symptoms suddenly worsen. Certain things, including viruses, allergens, exercise, and stress, can trigger or worsen these symptoms, leading to an asthma attack. These attacks can happen quickly or slowly and can be very dangerous.
Here are some signs of asthma attacks in children:
- Constant coughing.
- Rapid worsening of shortness of breath.
- Wheezing.
- Serious breathing problems.
- Increase in respiratory rate at rest.
- Becoming pale or turning blue, notably in their face, lips, and/or fingernails.
- Inability to speak in sentences or not being able to speak at all.
Special Considerations for Managing Asthma Attacks in Children
When managing asthma attacks in children who have asthma, there are several special considerations to keep in mind:
Communication is Key
Children might struggle to communicate their symptoms or understand the seriousness of an asthma attack. It’s important to foster open communication and teach them ways to identify and communicate their asthma attack symptoms as soon as they start.
Use Child-Friendly Language
When explaining asthma and its symptoms, it’s crucial to use language that’s appropriate for the child’s age and easily understandable. This can help children understand the importance of adhering to their asthma management and treatment plans.
Create an Asthma Action Plan
Collaborate with your child’s healthcare provider to create a personalized asthma action plan. An asthma action plan should include the child’s symptoms, medication dosage, emergency contacts, and when to seek medical assistance.
Educate Caregivers and School Staff
Make sure all caregivers, teachers, and school staff are well-informed about your child’s asthma condition, what triggers it, and emergency procedures. Give them a copy of the asthma action plan.
Encourage Regular Medication Use
Regularly using prescribed asthma medications, including daily control and emergency relief medications, is critical for managing asthma in children. Ensure your child has prescribed medications and understands how to use them correctly.
Asthma medications come in various forms, such as inhalers, nebulizers, and oral medications. Inhaling medications is often the quickest way to manage asthma attacks. Ensure your child knows how to administer a “rescue medication,” such as Albuterol, during an asthma attack for fast relief.
Monitor Peak Flow
For older children, a peak flow meter can be an extremely useful tool for monitoring lung function. Teach your child how to use it and make tracking peak flow measurements a regular part of managing their asthma.
Create a Safe Environment
Identify your child’s asthma triggers and minimize their presence in the child’s environment. This could include dust mites, pet dander, or tobacco smoke. Make sure the home is well-ventilated and free from potential allergens.
Emergency Preparedness
Equip caregivers, family members, and school staff with the knowledge on how to recognize asthma attack symptoms in your child and what steps to take in an emergency. Always have emergency contact information easily accessible.
Asthma Symptoms and Their Treatment in DeSoto, TX
Managing asthma attacks in children is a challenging task, but with the right approach and help from a healthcare provider, you can help children manage asthma symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications.
At Pivot Healthcare Company, our highly trained and exceptionally skilled nurse practitioner, Crystal Capler, understands the unique challenges of managing a child’s asthma.
Our nurse practitioner will closely work with you and your child to develop an individualized asthma action plan. This plan may include daily management strategies and step-by-step instructions for handling asthma attacks.
If you want to know more about us or to schedule a consultation, contact our office at (214) 242-9316 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
